Arduino Bluetooth Shield vs Wifi Shield

Projects General Guidance
1

Hello,

I am working on a project that requires me to use an Arduino board. I need to either implement bluetooth or wifi to the board so users can access it via their iPhone. The question is, what would be 'easier' to implement? Would they be both the same, and what are the differences between them. Meaning, why would I choose one over the other, what are the advantages and disadvantages?

Let me know with any information on these two topics, thank you.

2

Hi tnet,

I'm not familiar with iPhone wifi, but have used Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). BLE is a standard link used by all phone makers, I believe.

Check this out.

Pat.

3

tnet:
I need to either implement bluetooth or wifi to the board so users can access it via their iPhone. The question is, what would be 'easier' to implement? Would they be both the same, and what are the differences between them. Meaning, why would I choose one over the other, what are the advantages and disadvantages?

An assignment like that can only be given if it doesn't matter which, therefore use bluetooth, it's easier, and a lot cheaper.

4

The one advantage WiFi has is that with proper router configuration, that phone can access it from the other side of the world.

5

blimpyway:
The one advantage WiFi has is that with proper router configuration, that phone can access it from the other side of the world.

Yeah, but...

That advantage can quickly turn into a disadvantage if you don't have proper security.

6

Portforwarding to open the network to outside world is not advisable.

What is your real requirement?

  1. Control Arduino from couple of feet away.
  2. Control via internet from long distance.

If 1 is your requirement, then go with HC-05 Bluetooth module, it's pretty cheap. And can communicate with any kind of Bluetooth enabled devices.

If 2 is your option then you need a Wifi module like ESP 8266, these Wifi modules are power hungry, so take necessary steps to provide the right amps. In Wifi scenario there are several ways to communicate to the Arduino running at one place. One easy approach I normally choose is MQTT protocol, which is pretty easy and can publish commands to Arduino like a push notification. I wrote a small post about MQTT communication with Arduino.

If it's an Assignment and you can decide what communication to choose, then I suggest go for Bluetooth and later you can try with Wifi.

7

What about speed and range ? is wifi has more distance range & speed than bluetooth ?